78 pages • 2 hours read
Middlemarch
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Book Brief
904
Novel • Fiction
Fictional English Town • 1830s
1871
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Middlemarch by George Eliot explores the intertwined lives of various characters in the small English town of Middlemarch. Dorothea Brooke, a zealous reformer, marries the older scholar Reverend Edward Casaubon, only to find herself drawn to his young cousin, Will Ladislaw. Meanwhile, idealistic doctor Tertius Lydgate faces financial ruin due to his wife Rosamond’s extravagance and public suspicion. Other characters include Rosamond’s brother, Fred Vincy, who matures and marries Mary Garth.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Romantic
Nostalgic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
174,991 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Middlemarch by George Eliot is widely praised for its intricate character development and insightful social commentary. Readers appreciate its exploration of politics, marriage, and ambition in a provincial town. Criticisms often note its dense prose and slow pacing, which can challenge modern readers. Overall, it remains a deeply impactful and reflective novel.
Who Should Read Middlemarch?
A reader who enjoys Middlemarch by George Eliot likely appreciates intricate character studies, social critique, and psychological depth. Comparable to fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Charles Dickens' Bleak House, this reader values richly woven narratives and exploration of 19th-century societal norms.
174,991 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Will Ladislaw
Will Ladislaw
An idealistic and caring man with a scandalous family history, who works as a newspaper editor and advocates for political causes, while grappling with the legacy of his family's past.
Dr. Tertius Lydgate
Dr. Tertius Lydgate
An ambitious and progressive young doctor who seeks to introduce innovative medical treatments to the community, but faces challenges from societal expectations and personal relationships.
John Raffles
John Raffles
A minor but pivotal character who holds secrets about the pasts of other characters, using this knowledge to influence and disrupt their lives.
904
Novel • Fiction
Fictional English Town • 1830s
1871
Adult
18+ years
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